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A Viking Craft – Wire Knit

A-Z Challenge letter: W – Wire

I love crafty things. Certain crafty things. I need a creative outlet to keep my brain sane, but there are lots of crafty things that I just don’t have the finesse or patience or talent for. But I’m also a sucker for trying new crafts that appeal to me.

So when we visited a Viking Day on Easter Day and saw some beautiful jewellery made from Viking Knit Chain, I was intrigued. I was fascinated by the way the nature of the materials changed throughout the process. Starting off as copper wire, the process creates a strong wire cage around a mandrel. At the end of the process, after the cage has been through the drawplate many times, you’re left with a long, much thinner, flexible chain which can be used to create absolutely stunning designs. This Knit Chain was used as currency by the Vikings; they simply cut off the required amount from the chain.

The drawplate and mandrels

Well, I had to have a go. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough cash on me at the event to buy the kit, so when I got home, I got straight on the website and ordered the kit I had seen. It arrived just a few days later. I can’t wait to get going on this and try my hand at creating some wire jewellery in a traditional fashion. Watch this space to see how I get on!

You are so brave to keep trying new things. I am an artist but am always attracted to trying new crafts as well. I make paper and soap for example. I was drawn to this post because it was about a Viking craft. I am fascinated by the Vikings and also love their warrior gear. I will be back to see how this develops. Good luck!Stephanie Bird recently posted..Modern Day Witches

I can’t help but try crafts I see. I need to make time tomorrow to start this chain knit – the pieces I saw at the event were absolutely beautiful. I hope I can make something well enough that I’ll want to wear it all the time!